fetter

[ fet-er ]
/ ˈfɛt ər /

noun

a chain or shackle placed on the feet.
Usually fetters. anything that confines or restrains: Boredom puts fetters upon the imagination.

verb (used with object)

to put fetters upon.
to confine; restrain.

Origin of fetter

before 900; Middle English, Old English feter; cognate with Old High German fezzera, Old Norse fjǫturr; akin to foot

OTHER WORDS FROM fetter

fet·ter·er, noun fet·ter·less, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for fettered

British Dictionary definitions for fettered

fetter
/ (ˈfɛtə) /

noun

(often plural) a chain or bond fastened round the ankle; shackle
(usually plural) a check or restraint in fetters

verb (tr)

to restrict or confine
to bind in fetters

Derived forms of fetter

fetterer, noun fetterless, adjective

Word Origin for fetter

Old English fetor; related to Old Norse fjöturr fetter, Old High German fezzera, Latin pedica fetter, impedīre to hinder